REWINDAIFF files on iPhone
AIFF is Apple's uncompressed audio format, introduced in 1988. At CD quality it takes about 10.6 MB per minute, the same as WAV, and it keeps every sample. REWIND plays AIFF files that you import from the Files app, with all machines.
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What is AIFF?
AIFF stands for Audio Interchange File Format. Apple developed it in 1988, based on the Interchange File Format that Electronic Arts created. It stores uncompressed PCM audio, usually in big-endian byte order. Background: AIFF on Wikipedia.
AIFF versus WAV
For CD-quality audio, the two sound identical and take the same space. WAV came from Microsoft and IBM; AIFF came from Apple. Choose the one your tools prefer. See WAV for the comparison.
| AIFF | WAV | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | None | Usually none |
| CD-quality size | About 10.6 MB/min | About 10.6 MB/min |
| Origin | Apple, 1988 | Microsoft and IBM, 1991 |
How do I get AIFF onto an iPhone?
Export from your audio software or ripping tool as AIFF, put the files in iCloud Drive or AirDrop them, and import from the Files app into REWIND. If you want to save space, convert to ALAC, which stays lossless at about half the size.
On a Mac, the Music app can import CDs as AIFF, and most audio editors export it. AirDrop is the quickest way to send a few files; for a big batch, use iCloud Drive and wait for the upload to finish before importing.
How does REWIND play AIFF?
REWIND plays AIFF files and applies its machines, equalizer and analog sound to them. It does not claim hi-res or bit-perfect output.
Metadata and cover art
AIFF can carry text chunks, and modern tools often add ID3 tags inside the file. Support differs between apps. If a track appears without a title or cover in your library, edit the tags on a computer and import again.
When to choose AIFF
Choose AIFF if your recording software or ripping tool produces it by default, or if someone asks you for it. Otherwise, a compressed lossless type is easier on phone storage. Four minutes of CD-quality audio is about 42 MB, and a hundred songs take about 4.2 GB.
Frequently asked questions
Is AIFF the same as WAV?
They are similar. Both usually store uncompressed audio and take the same space, but AIFF is Apple's format and WAV is Microsoft's.
Is AIFF lossless?
Yes. It stores the audio uncompressed.
Does REWIND play AIFF files?
Yes. Import them from the Files app.
Why is my AIFF file so large?
It is uncompressed. A four-minute CD-quality track is about 42 MB.
Keep exploring
WAV on iPhoneUncompressed audio. File sizes, loading WAV on iPhone, and how REWIND plays it.
ALAC on iPhoneLossless audio in an M4A wrapper. Sizes, loading it on iPhone, and how REWIND plays it.
CAF Audio Files on iPhoneApple's flexible audio container. Where CAF comes from, and how REWIND plays it.
Offline Music Library for iPhoneImport folders or tracks from Files. Tags, cover art, search, favorites, shuffle and repeat. Offline.